Northwich-based Speedworks has retained rising star Tom Ingram
for a third season, following impressive performances from the
22-year-old last year. Ingram scored the team's first two podium
finishes on his way to 13th place in the overall standings. The
deal coincides with a new livery for the team's Toyota Avensis,
courtesy of new sponsor, motorsport insurance specialist REIS.

Ingram said: "For me, it was a complete no-brainer to stay with
Speedworks. The team's work ethic is second-to-none; everybody is
ultra-professional, but at the same time they know how to have fun.
The second half of last year was hugely positive for us, and it was
encouraging to see all the development that we had put in paying
off.

"We only really scratched the surface in 2015 of what we can
achieve with this car - although the first half obviously wasn't
what we had been hoping for, we dug deep and turned it around in
style. There is a lot more to come from the Avensis yet, and I
genuinely believe we can be a force to be reckoned with this
year."

Speedworks will run a second car in
2016 for BTCC debutant Matt Simpson. The 34-year-old former
European Hot Rod Champion will race a Team Dynamics-built Honda
Civic Type R.

Simpson said: "To be racing in such a popular and prestigious
championship is a huge deal for me. I can't wait to get started,
but at the same time, I'm keeping my feet firmly on the ground.
There are so many quick and ultra-experienced drivers out there on
the grid, and I'm aware I have a lot to learn. If we can make
consistent progress over the course of the season, then it will
have been a good rookie year."

Meanwhile, Speedworks-assisted outfit Handy Motorsport has
signed race-winning driver and fan favourite Austin for the
forthcoming season. The deal includes Handy Motorsport taking on
Rob Austin Racing personnel, as Belcher's squad prepares to make a
big step up the grid with its Toyota Avensis.

Austin said: "I'm really excited to be
joining forces with Handy Motorsport. The new car is a lot more
suited to the [championship] regulations than my Audis were and
through this deal we're combining the best bits of both teams. I
think we should be able to do a really good job with the new Toyota
and spring some surprises.

"There will be some adapting back to front-wheel drive but, as
Colin Turkington has proved, if you can drive you can drive. It's
hard work organising the money, running a team, sorting the
sponsorship and driving as well, so I'm looking forward to focusing
on the thing I do best rather than spreading myself so thin. This
really is a perfect opportunity."